Former Alabama QB Phillip Sims likely to receive 1st career start this weekend

Virginia quarterback Phillip Sims (14) hands the ball off to running back Kevin Parks (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Scott stadium in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. Sims replaced starter Michael Rocco who threw three interceptions. Louisiana Tech won the game 44-38. (AP Photo)

It would be the first start of Sims' three-year career. The redshirt sophomore, who lost a tight-knit quarterback battle with AJ McCarron in 2011, left Alabama in May to be closer to his family in Chesapeake, Va. He was granted immediate eligibility thanks to an NCAA hardship waiver.

Backing up Michael Rocco, Sims has appeared in every game this season, completing 28-of-46 passes for 340 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. His best performance came last week in a loss to Louisiana Tech, when he threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Virginia (2-3) has lost three consecutive games.

“Nobody’s asking me to go out and be Superman or be Michael Vick or
Peyton Manning or anybody like that,” Sims told the Washington Post. “I’m just being asked
to be Phillip Sims and go out there and do the things that I’ve been
taught to do within this offense and help my team win and move the ball
offensively.”